From walking and kneeling to running and bending, you ask so much from your knees, day in and day out. It’s no surprise that after some decades, that staggering amount of repetitive motion causes your knee to degenerate.
The problem is so ubiquitous that 600,000+ knee replacements are performed in the United States alone per year. If more conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections are failing you, it’s time to consider knee replacement.
Dr. Struan Coleman treats patients who’ve traveled many paths that have led to knee replacement, including sports enthusiasts, folks who move a lot for their jobs, and those who’ve sustained injuries. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, his top priority is seeing you regain an active life without limitations.
How does knee pain evolve?
Some deterioration in your knee is normal, but it happens faster in some people than others, depending on your line of work, your level of physical activity, your age, whether you’ve been injured, and conditions you may live with, such as osteoarthritis.
Dr. Coleman’s valuable experience as head team physician for the New York Mets for over a decade means that he’s more qualified than most to diagnose your knee issues with skill, speed, and accuracy. He presents you with a treatment plan that’s designed just for you, and if it includes knee replacement surgery, he’s with you every step of the way.
As the largest joint in your body, it’s no surprise that when things go awry with it, pain is usually the result. If it becomes debilitating and long-lasting, Dr. Coleman wants to help.
How do I know if I need a knee replacement?
There are multiple indications you might be in need of knee replacement surgery:
- Osteoarthritis-related knee pain has worsened or doesn’t abate
- Knee pain is present when you’re active and at rest
- Injury has damaged your knee severely
- Swelling has become commonplace
Along with the physiological factors, your emotional health takes a beating when you suffer from chronic knee pain. Limited mobility means you struggle to get up from a seated position, climb stairs, and perform activities you enjoy like gardening or simply taking a walk.
At a certain point, cartilage damage that happens between your knee joints won’t heal by itself, and knee replacement is your best option.
I’m nervous about getting a knee replacement
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, but this should put your mind at ease. If Dr. Struan recommends surgery as the best route for you, know that he’s studied your condition closely and has your future in mind. If it’s a certainty that your knee problems will only lead to further debilitation, knee replacement truly is the best, long-lasting option.
Dr. Struan advises you about whether you need a partial or full knee replacement after assessing connections relating to three primary portions of your knee: your thigh bone, your tibia (lower leg bone), and your kneecap. If some of these areas are in acceptable shape, you likely just need a partial knee replacement.
If, however, all of them look very damaged, a full knee replacement is in order.
The artificial knee
We custom make your “bionic” knee parts from metal, ceramic, or plastic, so they’re exact replicas of the real thing. This means your artificial knee components will fit you excellently. During your surgery, Dr. Coleman swaps out the bad parts with your new ones.
As for your several-month-long recovery period, know that Dr. Coleman and his team are with you each step of the way. He closely monitors the fit of your new knee and your swelling, guides you through a course of physical therapy, and answers any questions you may have along the way.
That said, recovery is incremental, and you must be gentle on yourself.
Learn if knee replacement is an option for you
Don’t live with your knee pain one day longer without answers, especially if it’s worsened to the point where you hurt when you’re still. Call one of our three offices to schedule a consultation, or simply book an appointment online.